Obesity is an abnormal or excess fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. It is a major risk factor for a number of diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases like strokes and heart attacks, and even certain types of cancer.

Obesity is the world’s most prevalent metabolic disorder, and continues to be on a rising trend. In Singapore, the prevalence of obesity has risen from 6.9% in 2004 to 10.8% in 2010.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to measure a person’s body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by divided one’s weight (in kilograms) over the square of one’s height (in metres). It can be inaccurate in very muscular individuals as it cannot differentiate muscle mass from fat mass well.

(please insert a BMI calculator)

The following table shows the range of BMIs and associated health risks as modified for Asian populations. (Pls reformat table)